The Australian Team & Fijian Drua Preview 2026
Everything you need to know about the four Aussie sides and the Fijian Drua.
In this blog, we look through each of the four Aussie teams and the Fijian Drua to highlight all the must-know facts! You can also check out our Draft Rugby Show on YouTube or podcast, where we will delve a bit deeper into the ins and outs of each team.
You can watch the Draft Rugby Show on youtube previewing the Australian and Fijian teams HERE.
In the meantime, check out our New Hot Shit podcast discussion on all the gun young players coming into Super Rugby HERE. Or if you like your bite-sized videos, you can watch each team individually HERE.
Brumbies
Full squad:
Prop: Allan Ala’alatoa, Blake Schoupp, James Slipper, Lington Ieli, Tevita Alatini
Hooker: Billy Pollard, Chris Mickelson, Lachlan Lonergan, Liam Bowron
Lock: Cadeyrn Neville, Harvey Cordukes, Lachlan Shaw, Nick Frost, Toby Macpherson
Back Row: Charlie Cale, Eli Langi, Luke Reimer, Rob Valetini, Rory Scott, Tuaina Taii Tualima
Halfback: Dan Nelson, Klayton Thorn, Ryan Lonergan
Flyhalves: Declan Meredith, Joe Dillon, Tane Edmed
Midfield: Austin Anderson, David Feliuai, Hudson Creighton, Jarrah McLeod, Kadin Pritchard, Ollie Sapsford
Outside Backs: Andy Muirhead, Corey Toole, Kye Oates, Shane Wilcox, Tom Wright
New Faces:
Lachie Shaw (Academy), Harvey Cordykes (Academy), Toby Macpherson (Academy), Eli Langi (Academy), Dan Nelson (Sydney University/Academy), Tane Edmed (Waratahs), Jarrah McLeod (Academy), Austin Anderson (Waikato), Kye Oates (Canberra Royals)
Losses:
Noah Lolesio (Toulon/France), Len Ikitau (Exeter), Tom Hooper (Exeter), Jack Debreczeni (Waratahs), Ben O’Donnell (Released), Harrison Goddard, Lachlan Hooper (Waratahs), Harry Vella, Feao Fotuaika (Force)
Best 15:
James Slipper, Billy Pollard, Allan Alaalatoa
Nick Frost, Lachlan Shaw
Rob Valetini, Rory Scott, Charlie Cale
Ryan Lonergan, Tane Edmed
David Feliuai, Jarrah McLeod
Corey Toole, Andy Muirhead, Declan Meredith
Stocks are rising:
Klayton Thorn - at 22 years old, he has already had three years developing in the top squad. We believe this will be the year he starts to get at least consistent bench time.
Ollie Sapsford - We may not have named him in our starting 15, but he is bound to get plenty of starts at either centre or wing with both Ikitau moving on, and Wright’s injury opening a spot in the outside backs.
Stocks are falling:
Cadeyrn Neville - Now 37 years old, some of our team think he has one more year in him. Others don’t. What do you think?
Blake Schoupp - Shoppy has a Wallabies cap, but he is bound to come under lots of pressure from Lington Ilei after the outstanding prop got a sniff in 2025.
Smokies:
Jarrah McLeod - The Aus U20’s player was making some noise late last year, but his 40-minute performance against the British and Irish Lions is what has really put him on the map. We think he has a solid chance to really make a name for himself this year.
Shane Wilcox - NZ born, Aus U20’s, captained the Burmbies U19 to a championship. This young outside back is absolutely electric. We are expecting him to get some minutes.
Reds
Full squad:
Prop: Aidan Ross, George Blake, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Massimo De Lutiis, Nick Bloomfield, Trevor King, Zane Nonggorr
Hooker: Josh Nasser, Matt Faessler, Richie Asiata
Lock: Hamish Muller, Josh Canham, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Seru Uru
Back Row: Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson, Joe Brial, John Bryant
Halfback: Kalani Thomas, Louis Werchon, Tate McDermott
Flyhalves: Carter Gordon, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, Tom Lynagh
Midfield: Dre Pakeho, Frankie Goldsbrough, Hunter Paisami, Isaac Henry, Josh Flook
Outside Backs: Heremaia Murray, Jock Campbell, Lachie Anderson, Nicholas Conway, Tim Ryan, Will McCulloch
Utility: Ben Volavola (FH), Filipo Daugunu (OB), Treyvon Pritchard (OB)
New Faces:
Aidan Ross (Chiefs), Nick Bloomfield (Academy), Hamish Muller, Carter Gordon (Gold Coast Titans), Ben Volavola (Leicester Tigers), Treyvon Pritchard (Academy), Nicholas Conway
Losses:
Alex Hodgman (Retired), Sef Fa’agase (Force), Matt Gibbon (Retired), Theo Fourie (Chicago Hounds), Max Craig, Connor Vest (Retired), Angus Blyth (Waratahs), Ryan Smith (Ospreys), Liam Wright (TBC), Jude Gibbs (Kyuden Voltex), Mason Gordon (Retired)
Best 15:
Aidan Ross, Matt Faessler, Zane Nonggorr
Josh Canham, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto,
Joe Brial, Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson
Tate McDermott, Carter Gordon
Hunter Paisami, Josh Flook
Filipo Daugunu, Lachie Anderson, Jock Campbell
Stocks are rising:
Aidan Ross - A new team brings new opportunities! Last year he shared his game time with Ollie Norris, this year we expect him to be a clear first choice with an uptick in game time.
Joe Brial - The 6 jersey is his, with his only competition coming from Seru Uru, who is likely to spend a lot of time at lock. We expect him to grow into a much bigger name this year.
Stocks are falling:
Tom Lynagh - Carter Gordon has arrived. Will he keep the ten jersey to himself? We think it is highly unlikely.
Harry McLaughlin-Phillips - Will he even get bench time? Such an outstanding young player, but we think his time could be limited again in 2026.
Smokie:
Treyvon Pritchard - Another we have sung the praises of in the new hot shit podcast. This man oozes talent, but is it a little too early to be expecting big things? We hope not!
Waratahs
Full squad:
Prop: Apolosi Ranawai, Dan Botha, Isaac Kailea, Jack Barrett, Siosifa Amone, Tom Lambert, Will Goddard
Hooker: Ethan Dobbins, Folau Fainga’a, Ioane Moananu
Lock: Angus Blyth, Ben Grant, Eamon Doyle, Matt Philip, Miles Amatosero
Back Row: Austin Durbidge, Charlie Gamble, Jamie Adamson, Lachlan Hooper, Leafi Talataina, Pete Samu, Angus Scott-Young
Halfback: Jake Gordon, Michael McDonald, Teddy Wilson
Flyhalves: Jack Bowen, Jack Debreczeni, Lawson Creighton
Midfield: George Poolman, Joey Walton, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii
Outside Backs: Andrew Kellaway, Archie Saunders, Harry Potter, James Hendren, Leo Jaques, Sid Harvey, Triston Reilly, Max Jorgensen
New Faces:
Folau Fainga’a (Clermont), Ioane Moananu (Crusaders), Apolosi Ranawai (Shute Shield), Will Goddard (Eastwood), Matt Philip (Yokohama Canon Eagles), Angus Blyth (Reds), Eamon Doyle (Promoted), Angus-Scott Young (Northampton Saints), Pete Samu (Bordeaux Bègles), Lachlan Hooper (Brumbies), Austin Durbidge (Promoted), Michael McDonald (Ulster), Angus Grover (Academy), Jack Debreczeni (Brumbies), George Poolman (Force), Harry Potter (Force), James Hendren (Academy), Leo Jaques (Academy), Sid Harvey (Academy)
Losses:
David Porecki (Retired), Mahe Vailanu (Shimizu Blue Sharks), Julian Heaven (Exeter), Angus Bell (Ulster), Taniela Tupou (Racing), Brad Amituanai, Hugh Sinclair, Angelo Smith (Moana), Clem Halaholo, Felix Kalapu (North Harbour), Fergus Lee-Warner (Newcastle), Langi Gleeson (Montpellier), Rob Leota (Bayonne), Jack Grant, Tane Edmed (Brumbies), Izaia Perese (Leicester Tigers), Lalakai Foketi (Chiefs), Henry O’Donnell (Retired), Lukas Ripley (Hawke’s Bay), Jackson Ropata (Released), Darby Lancaster (Force)
Best 15:
Isaac Kailea, Folau Fainga’a, Dan Botha
Angus Blyth, Matt Philip
Angus Scott-Young, Charlie Gamble, Pete Samu
Jake Gordon, Jack Bowen,
Joey Walton, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii
Harry Potter, Max Jorgensen, Andrew Kellaway
Stocks are rising:
Isaac Kailea + Dan Botha - Someone’s got to own the Bell and Tupou-sized holes in the front row; we think these two are the men to get the job done.
Matt Philip - He was such an outstanding and dynamic footballer before he left Super Rugby. We can’t wait to see what he has in store for 2026.
Joey Walton - Captained the Tahs against the Hurricanes last year. Do we need to say anymore about how highly McKellar rates him? With Foketi headed to the Chiefs he should get to make the inside centre jersey his own.
Stocks are falling:
Ethan Dobbins - As outstanding as he has been, we can’t see the Tahs having as many injuries to their hookers as they have in the past.
Ben Grant - Brought in to solve a locking shortage last year, the addition of Philip and Blyth, as well as the growth of Amatosero, means he should see a lot less time this season.
Smokies:
Sid Harvey - Is there a more talked-about new Aussie talent in the class of 2026? The young man won the Junior Men’s Player of the Year title at the Rugby Australia Awards 2025, starred at the U20 World Cup, played every game for NSW in SR Aus and played Aussie 7s.
James Hendren - Arguably the player of the tournament in Super Rugby Aus. The Randwick outside back showed he has speed, strength, and a solid kicking game. If he gets his chance this year, he’ll be ready.
Western Force
Full squad:
Prop: Feao Fotuaika, Harry Johnson-Holmes, Josh Smith, Marley Pearce, Tiaan Tauakipulu, Tom Robertson, Sef Fa’agase
Hooker: Albert Alcock, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Nic Dolly, Leonel Oviedo
Lock: Darcy Swain, Franco Molina, Jeremy Williams, Lopeti Faifua, Titi Nofoagatotoa
Back Row: Carlo Tizzano, Kane Koteka, Nick Champion de Crespigny, Will Harris, Vaiolini Ekuasi
Halfback: Doug Philipson, Nathan Hastie, Henry Robertson, Agustin Moyano
Flyhalf: Ben Donaldson, Max Burey, Alex Harford
Midfield: Divad Palu, Boston Fakafanua, Hamish Stewart, Bayley Kuenzle
Outside Backs: George Bridge, Kurtley Beale, Mac Grealy, Darby Lancaster, Dylan Pietsch, Ronan Leahy
New Faces:
Albert Alcock (Promoted), Sef Fa’agase (Reds), Feao Fotuaika (Brumbies), Josh Smith (Promoted), Franco Molina (Argentina), Titi Nofoagatotoa (Promoted), Agustin Moyano (Argentina), Nathan Hastie (Highlanders), Boston Fakafanua (Promoted), Darby Lancaster (Waratahs), George Bridge (Montpellier), Leonel Oviedo (Dogos)
Losses:
Atu Moli (Retired), Tom Horton, Ryan Coxon (Tasman), Harry Hoopert, Tiaan Tauakipulu (Retired), Fatongia Paea (Auckland), Sam Carter (Retired), Josh Thompson (Grenoble), Reed Prinsep (Retired), Papillon Sevele, Nic White (Retired), Issak Fines-Leleiwasa (Fijian Drua), Reesjan Pasitoa (Highlanders), Sio Tomkinson (Agen), Matt Proctor (Wellington), George Poolman (Waratahs), Harry Potter (Waratahs)
Best 15:
Sef Fa’agase, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Tom Robertson,
Jeremy Williams, Darcy Swain/ Franco Molina,
Will Harris, Carlo Tizzano, Nick Champion de Crespigny,
Agustin Moyano, Ben Donaldson,
Hamish Stewart, Bayley Kuenzle
Dylan Pietsch, George Bridge, Mac Grealy
Stocks are rising:
Brandon Paenga-Amosa - Tussled with Dolly for the starting hooker spot last season, he has seemingly got his nose in front after playing for the Wallabies last year. Surely will still share game time, but we expect an uptick in minutes.
Nathan Hastie/ Agustin Moyano - Both exciting young 9s in search of big game time. The opportunity has presented itself, who will take the jersey?
Stocks are falling:
Darcy Swain - Fanco Molina is a solid international lock, something that Swain could arguably be pretty close to. Either way, he is unlikely to get it all his own way this year as the Force will no doubt rotate through their locks far more in 2026.
Mac Grealy - Was absolutely outstanding in 2025. The main question is if George Bridge and Max Burey will get time at full back as well.
Smokies:
Ronan Leahy - This is now his 3rd year at the Force with a full contract. He has had some good touches with his limited minutes, but no doubt he will be hoping for a significant improvement in game time this year.
Vaiolini Ekuasi - Ekuasi has been a man we’ve had our eye on ever since the Rebels snagged him from the Blues to start 2023. Still only 24, this year he is in real contention to make some inroads into the starting side. With his gainline and tackle-busting ability, he might be in for a big year.
Fijian Drua
Full Squad:
Props: Emosi Tuqiri, Haereiti Hetet, Meli Tuni, Mesake Doge, Peni Ravi, Samuela Tawake
Hookers: Kavaia Tagivetaua, Mesu Dolokoto, Zuriel Togiatama
Lock: Angelo Smith, Isoa Nasilasila, Mesake Vocevoce, Temo Mayanavanua (cc), Vilive Miramira
Back row: Elia Canakaivata, Etonia Waqa, Isoa Tuwai, Joe Tamani, Kitione Salawa, Motikiai Murray
Scrum half: Frank Lomani, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, Philip Baselala, Simione Kuruvoli
Fly Half: Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, Isikeli Rabitu, Kemu Valetini
Midfield: Inia Tabuavou, Iosefo Namoce, Joji Nasova, Maika Tuitubou, Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, Virimi Vakatawa
Outside Backs: Aisea Nawai, Epeli Momo, Ilaisa Droasese, Isikeli Basiyalo, Manasa Mataele, Ponipate Loganimasi, Taniela Rakuro
New Faces:
Kavaia Tagivetaua (promoted), Moses Armstrong-Ravula (Manawatu)(Development Contract), Temo Mayanavanua (Northampton Saints), Angelo Smith (Waratahs), Jeneriro Wakeham (Development Contract), Issak Fines-Leleiwasa (Western Force), Joji Nasova (Fiji 7s), Maika Tuitubou (promoted), Manasa Mataele (Chiefs), Isikeli Basiyalo (promoted), Aisea Nawai (promoted), Virimi Vakatawa (Bristol Bears)
Losses:
Tevita Ikanivere (Honda Heat), Livai Natave (Worcester Warriors), Jone Koroiduadua (New England Free Jacks), Ratu Leone Rotuisolia (Oyonnax), Iosefo Masi (Lyon), Leone Nawai (Taranaki), Caleb Muntz (Aix Provence), Selestino Ravutaumada (Racing 92), Vuate Karawalevu (Castres Olympique), Apisalome Vota (French Rugby), Michael Naitokani
Best 15:
Haereiti Hetet, Mesulame Dolokoto, Samuela Tawake,
Isoa Nasilasila, Temo Mayanavanua
Etonia Waqa, Kitione Salawa, Elia Canakaivata
Frank Lomani, Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula,
Inia Tabuavou, Joji Nasova,
Epeli Momo, Ponipate Loganimasi, Ilaisa Droasese,
Stocks are rising:
Mesulame Dolokoto - Tex Ikanivere is gone. Dolokoto has the chance to make this jersey his own, even if Togiatama does grab time off of him.
Temo Mayanavanua - His first season for the Drua, and he has immediately been named as co-captain. That says he should get some big minutes in Super Rugby’s most dynamic team!
Elia Canakaivata - With Derenalagi out for the year, Canakaivata is the most conventional number 8. If he can hold off Salawa (who was used there in 2025), he will continue to score very well.
Ilaisa Droasese - With multiple departures in the outside backs, he has the opportunity to lock down some gametime in the 15 jersey.
Stocks are falling:
Mesake Vocevoce - Mayanavanua is the captain, Nasilasila is a bolted-on Fijian international. Sadly, this means Vocece will lose a lot of game time this season.
Tuidraki Samusamuvodre - He could be the Mr Fix It in 2026, or he could struggle to find a spot. He has so much talent, but we think the cards might not fall his way.
Smokies:
Joji Nasova - The 7’s flyer could be the next big thing for the Drua! He bursts through contact with a touch of Rokocoko about him. Need we say more?
Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula - with Caleb Muntz gone there is one less player to share the 10 jersey with. Kemu Valetini is often used at inside centre and Armstrong-Ravula could also feature at 15. Could be a big year for him.
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Written by your local rugby nerd Harrison Dale.